photo by: CT Design + Development

A rendering shows how the existing Quonset hut at 620 E. Eighth could be rehabilitated as part of the proposed $3.6 million Terrapin redevelopment project in East Lawrence.

On Wednesday I gave you information about Lawrence developer Tony Krsnich and his plans to tear down a couple of downtown buildings on the old Allen Press property near 11th and New Hampshire streets.

But Krsnich — developer of the Warehouse Arts District in East Lawrence — is probably better known for keeping old buildings than tearing them down. And there is one old building in particular that he’s still trying to save and turn into a unique East Lawrence attraction.

It is the old 1950s, Quonset hut-style building at 620 E. Eighth St., which is next door to the Warehouse Arts District. You may recall that he hopes to turn that old industrial building — the property used to house a gas plant — into The Terrapin, which would be a unique restaurant and indoor/outdoor entertainment center.

The idea has included concepts like an affordable taco restaurant surrounded by pickleball courts, bocce ball, yard games, an off-leash dog area and other such functions.

photo by: CT Design + Development

A site plan shows possible uses that could be included in The Terrapin redevelopment project in East Lawrence.

I began writing of that project back in 2022, but talk of the potential development has been pretty quiet for about a year. While I was talking with Krsnich about his new downtown purchase of the Allen Press property, I also asked him for an update on The Terrapin development, which would include not just the building but also the 2-acre lot that surrounds the structure.

Krsnich said, unfortunately, there is not a good update to be had.

“I don’t think we are yet to be told that the idea of an indoor-outdoor venue, family-friendly deal is anything but a good one, but we have yet to find an operator capable of taking that swing,” Krsnich said.

He said pitching restaurant operators ideas for new projects is particularly difficult in the current environment because restaurants continue to struggle with labor availability. Higher interest rates for business loans also have been a factor in slowing new deals.

photo by: CT Design + Development

A rendering shows how the inside of the Quonset hut building at 620 E. Eighth could be remodeled into restaurant space as part of The Terrapin redevelopment project.

But, don’t worry, the Quonset hut building isn’t at any risk of being torn down. Krsnich said he’s willing to give the project time to develop.

“We have good tenants there,” Krsnich said of the Quonset hut. “Nothing is broken.”

The Terrapin project has most of its needed city approvals, and the area continues to see new investment. The city has completed the portion of the Lawrence Loop trail project that runs alongside the proposed site for The Terrapin. Krsnich said that project has turned out well and is exposing the property to lots of new eyeballs.

All of those factors have Krsnich interested in keeping the idea alive. Additionally, there are signs this is a bit of a passion project for the developer. One of those signs is the name itself. While the building’s dome-like roof might look a little like a turtle if you squint, that is not the main idea behind The Terrapin name. Rather, Krsnich is a huge Grateful Dead fan, and he told me he named the project in honor of the Grateful Dead’s album “Terrapin Station.”

Take from that whatever you will, but at this point, it appears this Deadhead is not ready to declare The Terrapin project dead.

“Eventually, we would like to see something vibrant there that complements the arts district,” Krsnich said.

photo by: CT Design + Development

A rendering shows how the existing Quonset hut at 620 E. Eighth could be rehabilitated as part of the proposed $3.6 million Terrapin redevelopment project in East Lawrence.